A teenage driver was taken into custody on Wednesday, September 13, for allegedly intentionally hitting three bicyclists with his vehicle over the weekend.

The incidents began on Sunday night, September 10, around 10:30 pm, when a bicyclist reported being sideswiped by a black Toyota in Huntington Beach. Despite his injuries, he was able to provide a description of the car involved. 

Jessica Cuchilla, a representative from the police department, relayed the details to the public.

Approximately 15 minutes after the initial report, another cyclist came forward with a similar account. He stated that he was also sideswiped, more aggressively this time, by a vehicle matching the description of the black Toyota. This incident took place a short distance from the site of the first report.

About 15 minutes later, 70-year-old Steven Gonzales was reportedly hit by the same vehicle. Although paramedics arrived promptly to help him, Gonzales did not survive his injuries.

In light of these successive events, local law enforcement ramped up their search for the black Toyota. 

On Tuesday, September 12, officers located the vehicle in Huntington Beach. Based on the discovery, they identified and subsequently arrested the teenage suspect at around 9 pm. Specific details about the teen’s age have not been released.

While investigators are confident in their belief that the collisions were intentional, the potential motive behind these actions remains undisclosed. The investigation is still ongoing.

As of Wednesday, September 13, the arrested teenager was being held at Orange County Juvenile Hall, as noted by the Orange County Register.